Lexington SC
Fishing
News
Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, SCDNR regulations, and community fishing coverage for Lexington County lakes and rivers.
HERELexington is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and SCDNR regulations across Lexington County. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip.
- Water temps in the prime range — bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening.
- Falling barometric pressure activates feeding. Fish are on the move — work moving baits and cover water quickly.
- New and full moons are the best fishing phases. Solunar peak periods fall near sunrise and sunset — be on the water at first light.
Know a Lexington-area fishing lake, pond, or river stretch that should be on this list? Let us know.
Report a Fishing SpotGet listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Lexington County and the HERE City Network.
List Your Guide ServiceFishing News HERE
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Learn About Gear Advertising- Local reservoirs: Boating permit required from Lexington Water. Gas motor HP restrictions — check current Lexington Water rules before launching.
- Size limits: Confirm black-bass minimums and closures for your specific lake in current SCDNR eRegulations.
- Lake Craig & Edwin Johnson: No gasoline engines — electric trolling motors only. Lake Edwin Johnson also enforces SCDNR creel limits: 10 bream, 3 bass, 3 catfish.
- Free Fishing Days 2026: May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 — no fishing license required on these two days.
- Rivers (Pacolet, Tyger, Lawson's Fork): Statewide creel limits apply. No boating permits required. SCDNR fishing license required for anglers 16+.
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Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a SC fishing license to fish public waters in Lexington County. SC residents pay $10 for an annual freshwater license. Non-residents pay $35 annually or $11 for a 3-day license. Licenses are available at SCDNR.sc.gov or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days — May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 — require no license.
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Lexington anglers fish Lake Murray first — stripers, largemouth, crappie, and catfish — plus the Saluda and Congaree systems within a short drive. those are not Lexington waters. See the profiles above.
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Lake Murray’s Lexington County creeks and docks produce crappie from late winter through April, with a second fall bite as water cools.
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Yes. Murray coves and the Lower Saluda are kayak-friendly. Watch wind on open water and dam generation on the river.
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The Saluda and Congaree hold bass, catfish, bream, and seasonal stripers. Match your launch to flow and traffic.
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The Lower Saluda is the Midlands trout option in winter stocking season. Confirm dates and stamp rules with SCDNR.
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While recreational fishing is generally considered a low-risk activity, incidents involving cutting or piercing objects and falls account for most reported injuries. As residents of Lexington and surrounding…
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Freshwater fishing continues to attract millions of participants nationwide, with an estimated 40 million individuals engaging in the activity across the United States. In the Lexington area, its…
Lexington Anglers Advised on Summer Safety Amid High Temperatures
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